The IDF fired artillery shells at two Hamas compounds in the eastern Gaza Strip, and the IAF bombed the same compounds in retaliation for a rocket attack on Israeli settlements near the border, the IDF spokesperson reported Friday.

The residents of southern Israel again went scrambling for cover at midday Friday as the Red Alert sirens blared a warning that rocket fire was on the way multiple times in the Gaza Belt region.

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In kibbutz Sha’ar HaNegev one building was damaged from a direct rocket strike. While in Kfar Azza, residents and guests were marking the birthday of deceased IDF soldier Oron Shaul, z’l, whose remains are still being held hostage by Gaza’s ruling Hamas terrorists along with those of IDF officer Hadar Goldin, z’l. They had to duck and run for cover.

Two other rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, indicating that both were headed directly for populated areas. Both of the intercepts were made above Kibbutz Alumim, close to the Gaza border.

Arabs reported that some of the rocket pieces from the intercept fell inside Gaza territory.

Hana Levi Julian is a Middle East news analyst with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University. A past columnist with The Jewish Press and senior editor at Arutz 7, Ms. Julian has written for Babble.com, Chabad.org and other media outlets, in addition to her years working in broadcast journalism.